Cross Section of a wall
Different countries and different provinces have different rules and regulations. Since LCS Laboratory Inc., is located in London, Ontario, Canada we are able to explain our provincial rules as outlined in the Ontario Asbestos Regulation 278/05.
We are often asked by our clients:
- How many different construction materials should we test for asbestos to make sure that we do not miss anything?
- How many duplicates of the same material should we test to prove that this particular material is asbestos free?
1. How many different construction materials should we test for asbestos to make sure that we do not miss anything?
You need to test every material that you will cut, break, drill or remove while renovating since they are different materials and each of them may contain asbestos.
Example 1. When removing a drywall partition: you test a) drywall, b) joint compound, and c) plaster
Example 2. If you are planning to replace old vinyl tiles: you test a) vinyl tile, b) tile adhesive, and c) underlay if such is present
2. How many duplicates of the same material should we test to prove that this particular material is asbestos free?
Let say you need to replace ceiling tiles in an old school building. The property is so large, it is likely that the contractor used several different batches of ceiling tiles before he completed the project. How many samples of the ceiling tiles should be send to the laboratory to make sure that ALL tiles in the school have been checked? And if all the samples come back clean, we can confidently say that all tiles are clean?
If you are are working on an industrial or commercial project, you must follow the ONTARIO ASBESTOS REGULATION 278/05 The number of duplicates that should be sent for analysis, depends on the covered area. If it is a small patch under 0.5 sq.m (square meter), one sample is sufficient. If the covered area is between 0.5 sq.m and 90 sq.m, you need to test 3 samples for asbestos. Additionally, the samples should be collected from different spots within the area of concern. This way you are sure that the results are representative. When the area is between 90 and 450 sq.m. you need 5 samples, and finally for 450+ sq.m. you need to collect and test at least 7 samples to make sure that the area is asbestos-free. This procedure is scientifically proven and is described in ONTARIO REGULATION 278/05 table 1.
If you are a homeowner and planning to hire a contractor, you are now legally considered an “employer”, and should also follow the above mentioned regulation.
The reason for multiple samples is the fact that asbestos forms “hot” and “cold” spots in any material. If you test just one sample, you may accidentally hit a “cold” spot with no asbestos in it, which can be misleading. To prove that the area is asbestos-free you need to demonstrate that ALL your samples are clean.
If you are a homeowner, and want to test out of curiosity, or if you are planning to do all repair work yourself, it is up to you how many samples to collect.
If you are ready to do the test, you can receive an instant order and prepay the test , by following the link below:
As a testing laboratory we are not in a position to insist that all samples are provided and tested in triplicate. We appreciate all your projects regardless if they are big or small. To find answers on other asbestos related questions please visit our “Asbestos FAQ Page“. If you have any other questions or would like to discuss your project, please email us at your convenience.
